Snack on these raw pepitas plain, or toss them over salads for a nice crunch. Pumpkin seeds are also...
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ 4.0 starsSnack on these raw pepitas plain, or toss them over salads for a nice crunch. Pumpkin seeds are also delicious in soups and stews, and add a great texture to puddings, cookies, and other desserts. Sprinkle them over oatmeal and cereals, or chicken and vegetable dishes for a nutritional boost.
Pepitas are extremely popular in Mexico where they are toasted and spiced with salt, chile or other flavors for a great snack. You cooks and foodies know also that grinding them up provides the key ingredient for pipian, a type of mole.
Pumpkin seeds can be added to salads, breads, smoothies and are absolutely safe for mother-to-be. Not just safe, it is healthy and a source of important nutrients for pre-natal development. Pregnancy is a time when a woman’s body undergoes changes internally and externally to make room for the growth of the baby inside. As the uterus expands, the back, abdominal and hip muscles need to stretch. This push, pull and stretch calls for extra protein in the diet and pumpkin seeds can come to your rescue at this crucial time, particularly for vegetarians. 1 cup of pumpkin seeds takes care of half of your daily nutritional requirement. Apart from protein, it also contains calcium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.
Organic pepitas are a rich source of protein and dietary fiber which makes for a healthy and satisfying snack. They are also loaded with minerals like iron, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. Pumpkin seeds are naturally plentiful in antioxidant-like compounds that may lower LDL “bad” cholesterol levels.
Alkaline-forming foods like organic pepitas are an excellent addition to Western diets which are often overly acidic. In fact, pepitas are the only seeds that are alkaline-forming. Research suggests that alkaline-forming foods promote cardiovascular health, build strong bones, and improve cognitive function.
Organic pumpkin seeds may also help regulate blood sugar levels. A 2010 study published the the Journal of Diabetes and Its Complications found that a diet supplemented with pumpkin seed and flax mixture improved insulin regulation and supported antioxidant activity in rats.
| Calories /100g | Energy (Kcal) | Fat (g) | Protein (g) | Sugars (g) | Carbohydrates (g) | Fiber (g) | salt |
| 550 | 591 | 49.1 | 29.8 | 1.3 | 8.2 | 6.5 | 0.1 |
